Mexican Chicken Soup With Chick Peas, Avocado and Chipotles

This is inspired by a traditional Mexican soup called sopa tlalpeño. The chipotles, added shortly before serving, infuse the soup with a smoky, picante flavor. Cook the chicken breasts a day ahead, and use the broth for the soup. Once the chicken is cooked, the soup is quickly thrown together.

Preparation

Combine the chicken stock, onion, garlic, carrot, chick peas and salt to taste in a large soup pot, and bring to a simmer. Cover and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. Add the zucchini, and simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the broth fragrant but the zucchini has not lost all of its brightness. Taste and adjust salt.

Just before serving, stir in the chicken, chipotles and cilantro, and heat through. Ladle the soup into bowls. Place a few avocado slices in each bowl, squeeze in a little lime juice and serve, passing additional lime wedges at the table.

Advance preparation: You can make this through step 1 several hours before serving. Reheat and proceed with step 2.
Martha Rose Shulman can be reached at martha-rose-shulman.com.